The Supreme Court ruling announced today did not lift the immunity of Judge Maciej Nawacki, a decision that stirred strong reactions inside the courtroom. The attendees included judges from Iustitia and seasoned members of Poland’s judicial community who have long defended the country’s rule of law. After the compelling presentations by Judge Nawacki’s representatives, Judges Jakub Izaniec and Konrad Wytrykowski, it became evident that the claims about the supposed violation of the rule of law by the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court, which no longer exists, do not reflect reality.
READ ALSO: ONLY WITH US. The Supreme Court did not lift Judge Nawacki’s immunity. The Disciplinary Chamber was a court, they argue.
I paid the price
Today Judge Nawacki did not hide his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision. Yet he stressed that he has endured an unprecedented media and public pressure campaign.
Poland possesses a distinct legal framework, and within that framework the narrative of an alleged rule of law violation fell apart. Some in the judicial community argued that the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court was not a court, while others questioned whether the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court was being applied correctly. Nawacki believes that by upholding the law and respecting Constitutional Court rulings, the Supreme Court ultimately vindicated him, though at a personal cost. Since January, he has faced constant media scrutiny. He was labeled a scoundrel, subjected to direct insults, treated as an accused, and saw a press portrayal of the indictment as an example of cross-border press misuse. His children watched their father described in public as a criminal, a circumstance that weighed heavily on the family.
– Judge Nawacki conveyed to wPolityce.pl.
The decision to uphold the Disciplinary Chamber was regarded as valid, and Nawacki stated that he carried out his responsibilities in accordance with that ruling. He also noted that he complied with the reinstatement decision for Judge Juszczyszyn as part of his duties.
– the winning jury, led by Maciej Nawacki, emphasized today.
Right anchor
The President of the National Council for the Judiciary, Judge Dagmara Pawełczyk-Woicka, highlighted systemic issues raised by today’s Supreme Court decision. The ruling reaffirmed the legality of the Disciplinary Chamber and the current Chamber for Professional Responsibility. It reaffirmed the rule of law as the anchor of the legal system. The message was clear: without laws that are properly verified and adhered to, a society risks drifting into a lawless state. The chair of the National Council for the Judiciary expressed satisfaction with the emphasis on the foundations of the law.
– the council chair stressed the core message about the foundations of the legal order.
Judge Łukasz Piebiak, who represented the association Lawyers for Poland at the Supreme Court, also commented on the case. The association supported Judge Nawacki, a position added to the case file at the request of a former Deputy Minister of Justice.
The matter has provoked strong reactions among many Polish lawyers and judges. There was a sense that appearing as a friend of the court was a meaningful step to express disagreement with the ongoing approach. The alliance asserted that the effort aims to deter a judge through criminal law instruments and pledged to assist colleagues who face pressure or harassment.
– said Judge Łukasz Piebiak in a dialogue with wPolityce.pl.
WB